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Post by kumainpink on Jul 23, 2012 0:31:44 GMT -5
Maxwell laughed. He'd never talked with a woman bold enough to tease him! Cassalina was too formal, and Marigold acted like a stray puppy around him. "I don't know about that, you're doing a good job at spoiling me now." He stared at the front of his menu as he considered her question. "In truth, I eat alone as well. My workers go home and eat with their families at night. Brayden is a good boy, but he's also a growing young man and a devoted Ministry employee." he shrugged uncharacteristically. "That is just the way things are."
He smiled at her. "Enough about me! What about yourself? Surely someone as friendly and charming as yourself has someone to spend their time with?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 23, 2012 0:38:58 GMT -5
Alice smiled at his laugh. It was light, and exuberant. She felt her sympathy well up at hearing Maxwell's plight. She found herself blushing at his suggestion that she was charming.
"I've not really had any time to find anyone," said Alice, "This is the first time I've had dinner with anyone in such a long time, since I graduated I think. Besides, Mr. Rosebane, not many men are looking to charm someone with a debt the size of mine. It's nice to sit here with you."
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 23, 2012 0:48:18 GMT -5
Maybe it was because someone had taken the time to inquire about him as a person, and not some sort of political money source, but Maxwell found it very easy to talk with her. The few people he trusted already knew his most personal secrets and his desire to obliterate magical creatures, or were too pathetic to confide in. For once, he didn't feel the need to hide behind his well-kept Occlumency walls, or to tell lies in order to gain more sympathy.
He kept the darkest parts of himself hidden, but that went without saying.
And yet, he found himself sympathizing with her, though their experiences were hardly alike.
"Money shouldn't be the defining reason to be or not to be with someone." Maxwell replied, after listening to her explanation. At the same time, there was a question he had to ask. "Money is only money, but matters of the heart are something more. Or so I've been told. What about that person you were speaking with yesterday? The two of you seemed rather taken with each other."
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 23, 2012 0:57:22 GMT -5
Alice was amazed. Who would have thought that she'd be able to sit here and have such a mature conversation with a man like Mr. Rosebane? It seemed so unlikely that a man of his age, talent, and wealth would enjoy spending time with her, yet lo and behold, here the two were.
"My mother said things like love aren't measured in galleons," said Alice with a nod. She raised her eyebrows in surprise at the mention of Eleazar.
"Eleazar? I met him yesterday and he assisted me with the diagrams. He was lovely, and I think we'll make rather good friends. Like with you, Mr. Rosebane, I've only just met him. He's a sweet fellow."
Alice turned to the waitress who had arrived to order their drinks.
"I'll have the milk tea, please," said Alice, "How about yourself Mr. Rosebane?"
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 23, 2012 1:02:24 GMT -5
So she hadn't known the man long, huh? Interesting. Maxwell found himself smiling at that, for some reason. "I think I'll have the spiced hot chocolate, and a glass of water as well."
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 23, 2012 1:09:07 GMT -5
"So who takes care of you when your sick? Or hurt? Is there a Mrs. Rosebane?" asked Alice, finding herself genuinely curious and concerned for the man. "Healers alone aren't enough to make someone feel better. And a man like yourself must work hard and long hours. Is there someone who takes care of you the way you cared for me today?"
She wondered if it was too personal a question. She knew a man like Mr. Rosebane should be married. Yet, no mention of a wife or ring on his hands suggested otherwise.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 23, 2012 1:17:51 GMT -5
Maxwell didn't know how to respond to that at first. To be asked such questions, with such an air of concern...it was simply unnerving. But there was nothing false about her tone, or the way she stared at him. Such openness...it was simply unheard of for a man of his rearing. And yet, here it was. He found himself unable to look at her.
"There is no Mrs. Rosebane." he answered thickly. "I thought there was going to be one when I was about your age, but she didn't last long enough." he tried to hide his scowl at the thought of that horrible woman, but didn't think he'd succeeded. "But it is thanks to her that I have my son, so I shouldn't be complaining."
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 23, 2012 1:24:42 GMT -5
Alice felt her heart break at those words. The poor man had spent so many years alone. She felt herself growing more empathetic to him.
"So there's no one to take care of you? Has there been no one all those years?" asked Alice softly.
Their drinks arrived and were laid at the table. She didn't touch her tea in favor of staring at Mr. Rosebane for an answer.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 23, 2012 1:30:16 GMT -5
Maxwell smiled in an attempt to hide just how closely her questions were striking him. "I'm a grown man, Miss Alice. I doubt I need to be looked after."
The waitress came with their drinks.
"Here you are. A water, a spiced hot chocolate and a milk tea!" the waitress sat down their drinks. "Are you ready to order?"
Maxwell thought about it for a moment, before answering. "I'll have a tray of those delectable Raspberry Delights. What will you have, Miss Alice?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 23, 2012 1:42:16 GMT -5
Alice frowned at Mr. Rosebane's reasoning. She'd been raised to think that everyone needed someone to care for them.
"Ah, I'll have the Sunshine Crepe please," said Alice with a smile at the woman.
The waitress nodded, "We'll being them to you in twenty minutes. If there's anything you need, feel free to ask."
And the waitress trotted off after taking the menus. Once she left, Alice sipped her tea, feeling sad for Mr. Rosebane.
"Everyone needs someone to look after them, I'm proof of that," began Alice. She wondered if she'd be too forward in her next suggestion.
"Perhaps I could help you Mr. Rosebane? After how well you've looked after me today, it's only right that I help look after you in return," said Alice.
She truly wanted to help him. The more she learned about the man, the more she admired him. He was really like a modern day hero in her eyes.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 23, 2012 1:47:29 GMT -5
At that question, Maxwell felt as though the heavens were finally smiling down upon him. But it did give him cause for concern. The gi - no, Alice. He'd never refer to her as "the girl" again. Not after today. "You really shouldn't offer so much to a man you've only just met. I could be the kind of person to take advantage of you." he frowned at her. "Just what do you have in mind, Miss Alice?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 23, 2012 1:55:46 GMT -5
Alice blushed, realizing how direct that must sound. Again, Mr. Rosebane surprised and pleased her with his level of kindness to look after her. He was just such a noble man. Eleazar's warning was proving completely unnecessary.
"Ah, I suppose you're right, but after the kindness you've shown me, I find it hard to doubt your motivations Mr. Rosebane. It's not like I have much to offer you anyways," she explained. "I was thinking I can do small things. I know a little bit about healing, and such. Perhaps if you run a fever I could help out. And I can do clerical things for you. Just the little things you need help with, it that's alright by you."
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 23, 2012 2:02:43 GMT -5
And I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity. She's practically handing herself to me on a silver platter. Maxwell thought, as he listened to Alice's offer. At the same time, he felt impure for thinking that way. "You mean like a nursemaid?" he asked, raising one brow ever so slightly. "Or a personal assistant?"
Though skeptical of this, the idea itself did have some merits. It would be another way of keeping Alice close to him, and eventually gain her information about magical creatures as planned. Of course, that didn't mean he had to rid himself of her once he got what he wanted.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 23, 2012 2:07:26 GMT -5
Alice smiled, glad that Mr. Rosebane was receptive to the idea. She wasn't sure exactly what to call the position, but she wanted to please him. A man of Mr. Rosebane's maturity and nobility taking attention in was thrilling. It had been so long to have anyone's concern, and to get it from a man like Mr. Rosebane made Alice excited.
"I guess it would be something like that," conceded Alice, "But only if you'd want. With my job I may not be able to be on hand all the time, but it would be a way I can help you."
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 23, 2012 2:13:45 GMT -5
Maxwell thought about it for a moment. If she wanted to do this for him, who was he to deny her. However, it would be dishonorable to leave the offer as it stood. "I might be inclined to consider it, as long as you were willing to accept money for your services. While you are being very kind, I couldn't possibly accept something like this without offering some kind of compensation."
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 23, 2012 2:17:01 GMT -5
Alice was surprised at the offer for money. She hadn't thought he'd pay her. However, she wanted to be of help to him, and if he wished to pay her, than she'd take a little money.
"Ah, I'm fine with any little amount. What kind of jobs would you require from me?" asked Alice curiously.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 23, 2012 2:26:34 GMT -5
Maxwell considered her question, and decided that if he was going to pay her, he might as well make it worth his while. It was a considerable risk he was taking, but when the time came for the first major phase of his plan, he'd need assistance.
"When I'm home, I don't require much because my maids and my butler make sure to clean and cook for me. However, I do tend to spend most of my time outside of the Ministry working. I know I've made myself ill on a number of occasions." He frowned in thought. "In order to achieve my goals, I sometimes wind up on the wrong side of unseemly magics that others wouldn't understand. For these instances, I never go to a professional healer because they would report me. I promise that it isn't anything too dark, but I'd rather not have some things exposed to the public."
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 23, 2012 2:34:38 GMT -5
Alice nodded in agreement. Again he seemed to solidify himself as a hero to her. Working late hours trying to save the public. That's what a hero did, right? And the job would be healing! How she yearned to give her hand at it.
"I understand perfectly," said Alice, "I would love to help. I live by myself anyways, so a Patronus message or Floo call and I could be on hand to help. I suppose I wouldn't really be working a set few hours though, would I?"
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 23, 2012 2:44:44 GMT -5
Maxwell stared at her, waiting for the eventuality of needing to Obliviate her. But no, she proved to be surprising yet again. He smiled at her, relieved that this had gone better than expected. Still, he had to test her one more time.
"No, I don't believe you will. Working on my time, while keeping your job, will not be an easy task. I may summon you late at night, or early in the morning. You will have to read up on unusual healing spells and rituals. I may even need skin grafted or certain potions made. I will pay you a steady salary to start with, plus bonuses for each time I need something extraordinary or unusual." He stared intensely into her eyes, wanting her to know the seriousness of this task. "I will grant you everything you need, but the work involved isn't going to be as simple as you could imagine. With that said, are you sure you want this?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 23, 2012 2:51:34 GMT -5
Alice didn't even hesitate. Of course a man like Mr. Rosebane wouldn't be involved with simple magic. He was the kind of man who'd search the darkest arts to spell away. A thrill ran down her spine as she thought of the healing she would learn. Just helping a nurse hadn't satisfied her. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity. How could she refuse?
"I'm a quick study," she replied, meeting his eyes, "I'm sure I can handle this. I want to learn more, I want to help. Nobody will notice if I apparate to your home in the night, or even Floo. I live alone like I said. Please, let me prove myself to you."
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 23, 2012 3:02:01 GMT -5
"Well then, if this is what you wish, I'll be more than happy to add you to my list of allies." He said in his slickest, smoothest tone. "Later on, I will have have my owl send you your first book. For now, let us enjoy our time together." He held out his hand for her to shake. "Partners?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 23, 2012 3:07:30 GMT -5
Alice took Mr. Rosebane's hand, delighted. Everything seemed so perfect. She was getting books, a job in healing, and a chance to help a noble man. Nothing could go wrong. Her small, thin hand wrapped around Maxwell's larger warm hand, as she smiled.
"Partners," she said with a large smile, "And I assure you, this is definitely what I want, Mr. Rosebane."
It was at this moment that the waitress arrived with a large tray. She set down their two meals in front of them, prompting Alice to let go of Mr. Rosebane's hand.
"Your Raspberry Delights, sir, and the Sunshine Crepe, ma'am, have a good day," said the waitress chirpily, before moving back.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 23, 2012 3:16:33 GMT -5
"Then it is settled." He said, beaming at her. At the moment, things were progressing faster than planned. For now, he'd try to avoid the involvement of magical creatures unless it became necessary, and focus on only having her fix the worst of his injuries. If things advanced beyond that, he'd be to introduce her to his allies.
"So, are you a fan of Quidditch?" He asked, wanting to find a brighter topic for the moment.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 23, 2012 3:22:28 GMT -5
Alice took a sip of her tea, as Mr. Rosebane asked her if she like Quidditch. Just like that, the tenser feelings evaporated, to be replaced with a light giddiness.
"I like to watch, but I was never much of a player," said Alice, "And I always feel terrible watching someone get hit by a bludger. Those scare me a little. My favorite team is either the Harpies or the Wasps, how about yourself, Mr. Rosebane?"
As she asked the question, she picked up her fork and began to dig into her Sunshine Crepe. Cream, sugar, and the taste of citrus delighted her taste-buds and she smiled. It had been too long since she'd eaten a meal like this.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 23, 2012 3:32:39 GMT -5
Maxwell picked up one of the mini balls of raspberry and chocolate with his fork and popped it in his mouth. At once, the rich, creamy center burst in his mouth, along with the slight tang of the fresh raspberries. Simply marvelous. "I used to play Keeper on the Slytherin team myself, but stopped during seventh year in order to have more time for my classes. I happen to enjoy many teams. The Harpies are brilliant, though I do admire the Cannons for their determination."
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 23, 2012 3:40:50 GMT -5
Of course he played Quidditch. How could he not?
"Was it not hard? You must have great reflexes," admired Alice. "I admire the Cannons. They make me never want to give up. I much prefer reading though over Quidditch. As a girl that's all I wanted to do. Reading and learning were my passions."
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 23, 2012 3:46:48 GMT -5
"Yes, it was hard, but I liked it. I have to always be moving, always be working, doing something. I love challenges, both physical and mental." He nodded to her. "The pursuit of knowledge is rather admirable. I used to abhor anything study related, but grew to like it as gaining knowledge became a need." He took another bite and wiped the corner of his mouth. He smiled fondly. "Funny how times change, isn't it?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 23, 2012 3:54:52 GMT -5
Alice nodded in agreement. Dabbing her lips politely with a napkin, she replied, "Things change so fast. I remember being buried in books all the time, and now I have no time for it. It's amazing how quickly the world can change. Is it rude of me to ask how long it's been since you've left behind Hogwarts?"
The truth was, Alice was curious as to just how old Mr. Rosebane was, but couldn't bring herself to ask. She didn't want to offend him, but at the same time, she was also afraid to be abrupt.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 23, 2012 4:00:21 GMT -5
"I don't think you're being rude at all for asking." he said in an even tone. "I left Hogwarts behind twenty-three years ago, soon to be twenty-four. I was seventeen when I graduated. Just a mere month before my own parents passed on." a bittersweet smile had taken over his features. "I suppose I'm a bit of an old man, aren't I?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 23, 2012 4:08:50 GMT -5
Alice did the math quickly in her head, surprised that Mr. Rosebane was forty-one years old. He was so much older to her, slightly over twice her age, and yet they sat and were almost like friends right now quickly she made to reassure him.
"Your not that old, plenty of wizards live well into their hundreds. You asked me earlier why I had no one to spend my evenings with, may I ask you? A man as kind as yourself must recieve plenty of offers," said Alice.
She was curious as to why he wasn't married yet. What was keeping him from that happy ending?
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